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Curly Hair Routine + Product Suggestions
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Sandra Pulić
This curly-hair routine is designed to make wash days easier by giving you clear steps and product options for both normal and dry hair. Every product on the list can be found at Sephora or Ulta, so you don’t have to hunt things down. I included simp...
Sections
7
 
1. Clarifying / Reset (Occasional Wash)
 
2. Regular Shampoo (Wash Day)
 
3. Conditioner
 
4. Leave-In / Curl Definer
 
5. Styling / “Lock-In”
 
6.Refresh / “In-Between Washes”

1. Clarifying / Reset (Occasional Wash)

Use once every 1–2 weeks (or whenever you feel buildup), before your regular wash. Tips for using Clarifying Shampoo on Curly Hair Use only occasionally ONCE a week is often enough for most curlies. Apply primarily to the scalp, because that’s where ...

 
Sandra Pulić profile picture
This gel-to-foam shampoo clears dirt, oil, and product buildup, thanks to charcoal and pink clay, but still keeps some moisture.
clarifying & cleansing gel shampoo : reset
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Deep-cleans without being overly harsh. It removes buildup (metals, product) while being safe for color-treated hair. Great for a weekly “reset.”
Nº.4C Bond Maintenance® Clarifying Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Contains micro-exfoliating particles + apple cider vinegar to really lift buildup, but still feels balanced.
Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Uses a “magnetic polymer” + chelating agents to remove pollution, hard-water minerals, etc., but in a creamy, gentle way.
Clarifying Detox Shampoo | Living Proof
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Very popular for a reason , uses apple cider vinegar to gently reset hair, especially helpful for product-heavy routines. (Allure lists it for buildup)
Detox Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Charcoal + exfoliating bits that deeply clean the scalp without totally stripping curl moisture.
Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
High-end, luxe formula that uses volcanic ash and papaya extract to detoxify.
The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo - Oribe Hair Care
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
From the curl-centric Pattern Beauty line — designed to be gentle and clarifying for textured curls.
Curl Cleansing Shampoo - Natural Hair Clarifier
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Gel-type clarifier that’s very scalp-friendly; helps remove buildup in a refreshing way.
blue tansy clarifying gel shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
It removes mineral deposits, buildup, and is color-safe.
Clarify Shampoo
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2. Regular Shampoo (Wash Day)

On your regular wash day, after clarifying (or instead, if not clarifying).Use on wet hair, lather gently (focus on scalp), rinse thoroughly. I do it 2 times, but if you find that once is enough that do it once. Pro Tip for Choosing If your curls are...

 
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A gentle, low-lather, silicone-free formula that cleanses hair without drying it out.
Curl Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Creamy and hydrating; helps cleanse while preserving natural oils and enhancing curl shape.
Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
This shampoo uses a sunflower-curl complex plus jojoba and castor oils to give curl definition and moisture.
Curl Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Sulfate- and silicone-free; nourishes and protects curls from frizz and environmental stress.
Sulfate-Free Curly Hair Shampoo | Curl Shampoo
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Great if your curls need a balance of softness and light cleansing.
All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo for Curly Hair
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
This is designed for curly types: it gently cleanses while enhancing curl formation with argan oil and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins.
Curl Enhancing Shampoo – | Moroccanoil Canada
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3. Conditioner

Use every wash, right after shampoo.Apply from mid-lengths to ends. Use your fingers (or a wide-tooth comb) to detangle gently. Leave on for 2–3 minutes (or more if it's a mask), then rinse lightly or “rinse-out just enough to remove product but keep...

 
Sandra Pulić profile picture
Works well to define and detangle without weighing curls down.
Curl Enhancing Conditioner - Moroccanoil
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
A rich, moisturizing conditioner made especially for curly hair; helps define curls without weighing them down.
LOVE CURL Conditioner Protein-rich hair conditioner for curly hair
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Lightweight but hydrating, this conditioner uses Manuka honey and ceramides to moisturize curls, boost elasticity, and gently detangle.
Curl Manifesto Fondant Hydratation Essentielle Conditioner
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Formulated with rice amino acids, shea butter, and fruit oils to help define curls, manage frizz, and provide great slip for detangling.
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Great for curls that get frizzy from humidity. Contains shea and murumuru butters + ceramides to smooth the cuticle.
Advanced Climate Control® Defrizzing Conditioner
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Specifically made for textured curls/coilies; uses jojoba + olive oil to hydrate without weighing down, leaves curls soft and defined.
Medium Conditioner With Slip
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
A very rich, butter-like deep conditioner (available through Ulta) — ideal if your curls are super dry or coarse and need extra nourishment.
Double Cream Deep Quencher
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4. Leave-In / Curl Definer

Use on damp (just-washed) hair, immediately after rinsing your conditioner.Take 1–2 quarter-sized amounts, rake through damp hair (root to tip), or scrunch lightly to encourage curl pattern. Do not rinse. Then either air dry or dffuse. How to use the... 

 
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This is a super lightweight but deeply hydrating cream. Infused with Manuka honey and ceramides, it helps define curls, control frizz, and gives some heat protection (up to 230°C) according to the brand.
Curl Manifesto Crème De Jour Fondamentale Hair Cream
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
A classic favorite, rice amino acids and avocado oil help both define curls and add moisture. It’s great if you want that soft, “no-crunch” hold feel.
Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
A light styling cream that works well for touchable definition without making curls stiff.
Curl Crème
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Enriched with argan oil, this cream gives curls bounce, shine, and a smoother finish.
Curl Defining Cream
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Perfect if you love air drying your hair. Lightweight and helps shape curls without heat.
Complete Air Dry Cream | Styling Cream For Curly & Wavy Hair
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
This one is more than just definition , it helps rebuild hair bonds. Great if your curls are damaged or fragile.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment for Repair
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
A very lightweight oil-cream hybrid that you can use on damp hair as a leave-in; adds shine, tames frizz, but doesn’t weigh curls down.
ghost™ oil | shine + smooth frizz
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
This styling cream helps with natural hold, hydration, and frizz control.
Styling Cream Curl Definer
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5. Styling / “Lock-In”

Since products for this vary a lot and depend on your curl type, here are a few general ideas (check Sephora/Ulta for these brands):                                                                        Gel: Look for a “curl control” or “frizz control” gel from a curly-hair–friendly brand. Cream: Use a defining cream or custard to shape and soften curls.                                    How to use: Apply your styling product on soaking wet hair (this helps with “gel cast” / curl formation). Scrunch it in or rake it through, then scrunch again. After styling, either let hair air dry or diffuse. When dry, if there’s any crunch/cast, s... to soften the crunch and reveal soft, defined curls.

 
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This is a gel-cream hybrid, combines the moisturizing effects of a cream with the styling hold of a gel.
Curl Manifesto Gel-Cream for Coily & Curly Hair | Kérastase
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
A very rich custard-gel made for serious curl definition. It locks in moisture, gives shine, and creates a cast that you can scrunch out later.
Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
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Medium-hold gel from Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern line. It has nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, giving defined but touchable curls.
Curl Gel: Curly Hair Gel For Styling & Defining
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A water-based gel gloss that defines curls, locks in moisture, and gives a shiny finish. It’s very hydrating and non-flaky.
Hair Gel: Curl Defining Botanical Styler
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Lightweight gel with good slip and humidity resistance, while giving curls definition that lasts.
Curl Defining Gel | Living Proof
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Stronger hold, non-sticky, no flake, good for shaping and keeping curls defined for a long time.
Sculpting Curl Gel for Defined, Crunch-Free Curls
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Very natural-feeling gel with a serum-like texture. Made with linseed extract and aloe, it gives medium hold and dries into a cast you can scrunch out.
Curl Defining Gel | Bouclème
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Excellent for humid days, this gel helps protect against frizz and humidity while keeping your curls shaped.
Advanced Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel
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6.Refresh / “In-Between Washes”

Use on non-wash days to revive curls. How & when to use these spray on dry or slightly damp hair: Most work best when you lightly mist your curls, not soak them. After misting, use your hands to scrunch curls back into shape. If your curls feel dry, you can mist + apply a tiny amount of your ...

 
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 A bi-phase mist (so you shake it before use) that reactivates curls, adds moisture, and helps with frizz.
Shake & Shine Curl Refreshing Mist
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Contains squalane + jojoba oil to deeply hydrate and revive curls. Helps define curls again even several days after you washed.
Refreshing Curl Mist Spray to Enhance All Curl Types
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Filled with botanical extracts, this spray both refreshes and helps re-form curls without leaving buildup.
Botanical Boost® Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Oil- and butter-infused mist to deeply moisturize and lightly hold; good for reviving curls on days 2–4.
Curl Reactivator Moisturizing Hair Mist
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Dual-purpose, refreshes dry curls and detangles freshly washed hair. Amazing product to add to your curly hair rutine.
Refresh & Detangle Spray
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Adds both moisture and a bit of hold; has coffee seed extract, tomato, marula oil, and mango butter for a rich but lightweight feel.
OCOA - Curl Refresh + Hold Spray
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7.Deep Conditioning / Mask Treatment

Use once a week or every other week (depending on how dry your curls get).After shampoo (or clarifying + shampoo), apply the mask to damp hair, focusing on ends, then detangle gently. Cover your hair (with shower cap or something) for 10–20 minutes, ...

 
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A classic deep conditioner with a rich, creamy texture. It has rosehip oil, B vitamins, and algae to strengthen and hydrate curls. Good for weekly use; leaves your hair soft and shiny.
Don't Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask
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Sandra Pulić profile picture
Uses Olaplex’s bond-building technology + oils (like rice bran and avocado) + ceramides to deeply hydrate & repair. Great if your curls are damaged or dry.
Olaplex No 8 Maska – Bond Intense Moisture mask 100 ml
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Super nourishing, especially for curly/coily hair. Helps restore softness and bounce without weighing curls down.
Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Hair Mask
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From the Pattern line (Tracee Ellis Ross). Formulated with rice water ferment and moringa seed extract, gives slip, elongation, and definition to coils, while strengthening. According to Ulta, it's hydrating without weighing down-ideal for 3B-4C curl...
Treatment Mask: Hydrating Curly Hair Mask
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Very hydrating and rich without being too heavy- avocado oil + kiwi extract help moisturize and seal, which is really useful for curly strands that feel dry.
Mega Moisture Superfood Mask - Avocado + Kiwi
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